The 2018 PNG APEC Coordinating Authority says it will be working closely with the Hotel industry to ensure accommodation is provided in an efficient manner.
APEC Coordination Authority CEO, Chris Hawkins, said this today in Port Moresby when meeting with General Managers and representatives of several Hotel companies today to advise them on accommodation arrangements required for the APEC 2018 Summit.
He said organising accommodation was a mammoth task which had to take into consideration bilateral and multilateral ties between the various countries, cultural and linguistic factors, and security requirements by the APEC member economies, among others.
Hawkins said this will ensure world leaders are moving and accommodated in a coordinated and efficient manner without any interferences.
More than 10,000 delegates and 2,000 plus media personnel will converge in Port Moresby and Hawkins says PNG currently does not have the capacity to cater for this number.
This is the reason for the hiring of three cruise ships which will enter PNG shores to provide alternative accommodation for an estimated 2,000 guests.
The recent establishment of hotels, such as Stanley Hotel, and soon to be constructed Hilton Hotel, significantly add to existing luxury hotels in PNG.
The XV Pacific Games Village built at the University of PNG will cater for international media personnel.
Hawkins said smaller hotels will also be engaged to provide accommodation where necessary.
The meeting was an opportunity for the hotel managers and representatives to clarify booking and stay arrangements for the various APEC Economy delegates.
Hawkins said in terms of preparation, PNG was well ahead of other APEC Economies and he is optimistic the country will provide a successful event.